do you prime your insulin pen with every dose?

I was wondering how many of you do prime the two units out before each use. I do because I was told to but it seems like such a waste, two units every single time the pen is used? I was wondering how many others prime before each use? It sure makes my insulin go faster in the pen! I was told to prime ten units the first use then two with every dose. I'm afraid if I don't I won't get my correct dose. What do you think about this? Id like everyones opnion please? I know sometimes when I prime only a little dribbles out then I'll prime again and get a stream. I was wondering if I don't prime would my dose just dribble out and I miss getting the correct units? That's my fear. What do you think? Do you prime every single dose?

5 replies

I just started using the pens. I was told to prime each time with 2 units and then hold for a count of 10 to make sure all the insulin goes in. When I do the 2 units and the needle seems to be clogged, I use a new needle.Judith

I use a new needle with every injection. It sometimes just dribbles out when it does this I'll prime another two units and usually that works and the insulin will come out in a stream then. I always prim too, I was just wondering is everyone else primes always too. It does seem like a waste of insulin but I guess its necessary to insure a proer flow : )

HelloWhen I was on the pens I did prime with every shotIf you only taking small shots 1 to 10 units if you get less then what you need and your BS gose up Its up to youJust like using a new needle every time ??????Best wishesHarlen

If you use a new needle for each dose then you should prime. If you keep the needle attached then you will probably be OK not to prime. Priming 10 units is stupid, the idea is to make sure the needle is not clogged, the air is gone from the needle and there is no other blockage. You can do that with 2 units. If you get nothing with 2, try another 2. The only exception to that I would say is if you use a re-usable pen with cartridges. When I switch mine out I need to 'prime' with about 10-20 units but that is because the plunger mechanism is not close enough to the cartridge so it takes about 10-20 units worth of turns to actually start getting insulin out of the pen. After that, I prime 2 units when I switch needles.